sb179.html

09 LC 33 2952

Senate Bill 179

By: Senators Jackson of the 24th, Thomas of the 54th, Tarver of the 22nd, Murphy of the 27th, Staton of the 18th and others

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT

To amend Article 5 of Chapter 11 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission, so as to add a definition; to revise certain provisions relating to funding priorities of the commission; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.

Article 5 of Chapter 11 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission, is amended by revising Code Section 31-11-100, relating to definitions, as follows:

"31-11-100.

As used in this article, the term:

(1) 'Burn trauma physician practice' means a physician group practice which includes a trauma surgeon, an orthopedic surgeon, a neurosurgeon, an intensive care unit physician, an anesthesiologist, an emergency care physician, or a physician assistant who provides burn trauma care.

(1)(2) 'Trauma center' means a facility designated by the Department of Human Resources as a Level I, II, III, or IV trauma center.

(2)(3) 'Trauma patient' means a patient who is on the State Trauma Registry or the National Trauma Registry of the American College of Surgeons.

(3)(4) 'Trauma service codes' means the ICDA-9-CM discharge codes designated as trauma service codes by the American College of Surgeons, Committee on Trauma.

(4)(5) 'Uncompensated' means care provided by a designated trauma center, emergency medical services provider, burn trauma physician practice, or physician to a trauma patient as defined by the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission who:

(A) Has no medical insurance, including federal Medicare Part B coverage;

(B) Is not eligible for medical assistance coverage;

(C) Has no medical coverage for trauma care through workers' compensation, automobile insurance, or any other third party, including any settlement or judgment resulting from such coverage; and

(D) Has not paid for the trauma care provided by the trauma provider after documented attempts by the trauma care services provider to collect payment."

SECTION 2.

Said article is further amended by revising paragraph (2) of Code Section 31-11-102, relating to the duties and responsibilities of the commission, as follows:

"(2) For the first two fiscal years in which funds are appropriated to the commission for distribution, to distribute such funds in the following areas with the priority for distribution to be set by majority vote of the commission:

(A) Physician uncompensated trauma care services provided in designated trauma centers or a burn trauma physician practice;

(B) Emergency medical service uncompensated trauma care services provided to patients transported to designated trauma centers;

(D) Trauma care readiness costs for designated or certified trauma care service providers; and

(E) Trauma care service start-up costs for providers seeking a trauma care designation or certification.

The commission shall adopt a formula that prioritizes the distribution of state appropriated funds that may be implemented during the third state fiscal year in which funds are appropriated to the commission for distribution. Such formula shall be evaluated and modified, if needed, every two years thereafter;"

SECTION 3.

All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.